Laurel arrived in Cape Town a few weeks back an yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting up with her again to find out if she’s enjoying her time and having a great experience so far.
She’s been placed at a Primary School project within a community in Cape Town and is staying with a host family (and 2 other SASTS volunteers) in the same community.
She was thrown into the deep end a bit when she was asked to take over a Grade 3 class of 30 8-9 year learner’s because the school is understaffed.
She’s taken in her stride and has completely made the role her own, she’s so at ease in front of the class and the kids absolutely adore her!
I must admit I would’ve been a bit frazzled, but she’s a complete natural, even offering extra tutoring to kids struggling with math after school!
Laurel’s only been here a few short weeks and she’s already made such an impact at the school and the kids - a real role model for future volunteer’s.
She seems t be settling in really well and loves Cape Town. In her own words “Its a terrific experience and I’m really enjoying it.”
Roos (affectionately known as Rosie by her students) has been in Cape Town since March and has been livening up her Primary School with various sporting activities.
The kids play games and do various physical activities to keep them fit, active and healthy.
I’m sure all her students will miss her energy and games when she leaves.
Keep up the good work Rosie!
Night life in Cape Town
As in all the big cities/ towns you will need to be more careful at night. Leave all valuables behind in your accommodation. Do not take a rucksack out with you. If you take a camera keep it in your pocket out of sight. Do not take large sums of cash, foreign or domestic, as you will not need it.
Going out at night can be great fun but be careful and use your common sense. If you go out at night, always take metered taxis back to your accommodation. Ensure that you have cab service number stored on your mobile as cab’s are not easy to hail in the city.
If something does happen and you are challenged you should always give up your bag or valuables. It’s not worth putting yourself at risk for the sake of a bit of cash.
In the event of a crime you should report it to the police immediately and always request a police report for insurance purposes. Generally speaking in rural areas, after reporting a theft to the police, you should be prepared to follow up the incident and pester the police to resolve the situation.
Fiction
81 Bennet Street
Cape Town
This bar is themed with classic works of fiction including comics and movies. Resident to some of Cape Town’s most talented Drum&Bass DJ’s.
Cafe Caprice
Camps Bay strip
Favourite hangout for locals and international visitors. The original eat, drink and play venue in Cape Town.
Assembly
61 Harrington Street
Cape Town
The latest and greatest live music venue to open its doors in Cape Town. It’s everything a live music venue should be with awesome bands and live acts lighting up the stage regularly.
Neighbourhood
Long Street
Restaurant, bar and cocktail lounge with a wrap-around balcony overlooking the vibey long street. Great social venue.
Bronx Action Bar
22 Somerset Street Green Point Cape Town
Cape Town’s longest running gay venue.
Jade
Greenpoint – upstairs from the restaurant Manos
This stylish venue, furnished with leather sofas and chandeliers, is perfect for a laid-back night out.
Zula Sound Bar
194 Long Street
From the comedy evenings on Monday nights, to the acoustic sets on a Tuesday, month-end poetry slams, and rump shaking hip hop, soul, funk and rock beats on the weekends.
Oblivion Wine Bar
22 Chichester Road, Harfield Village
A funky, friendly, European style Wine Bar for the over 23s.
We’ve got such an amazing Sports Development program and our volunteers are so awesome with the kids at these projects. We had the pleasure of attending an Inter-House Sports Day earlier in the week and these are a few snapshots we took. The stadium was filled with such intense energy for everyone competing for the top spot.
Why pay to volunteer - Your Program Fee Covers Your Costs and Supports Communities in Need
*SASTS is a nonprofit that works hard to keep its costs and its fees as low as possible. Still, we know that it is a challenge for many of our volunteers to pay for their programs. We want you to know that your money is spent as effectively and efficiently as possible, and we are always working to make it more affordable.
Many ask, “Why should I have to pay to volunteer?” The answer is that volunteering in another country requires a lot of resources and preparation. Volunteers abroad need accommodations, food, emergency health and evacuation insurance, in addition to in-country transportation and orientation to ensure their safety.
Since *SASTS places volunteers with host families, we need to help our host communities and partner organizations cover their costs. We focus much attention and respect on the local community. We believe sending volunteers to live with host families helps boost the local economy, and does a great deal to increase cross-cultural understanding and assist the community in the long-term.
This article was taken from http://www.unitedplanet.org/volunteer-abroad/why-pay
*Replaced with our company name
Why should you volunteer with SASTS?
Volunteering is not for everyone. It requires strength of mind, compassion, patience, empathy and desire to help those who need it. Our volunteers are young people who have made a choice to come to South Africa in order to volunteer on various projects in Cape Town and its surrounds. Their enthusiasm and creativity really make a difference to the communities in which they are volunteering.
At times a volunteer may lose sight of the reason why they chose to work on these projects as they could feel that they are contributing enough and making a significant difference. What you need to keep in mind is that every bit helps. Mending a broken fence, planting a few seeds for a new vegetable garden, teaching a child a new soccer skill or simply making a child laugh will have huge positive impact even if you don’t see it.
Last week one of our Social Welfare volunteers, Caroline Poell invited SASTS along on her trip to the Castle of Good Hope trip. The kids from the home where she volunteered cam along and were a pleasure to be around. Their ages ranged between 5 and 14 years old. These kids come from disadvantaged backgrounds and they all live in the home, they are smart, they funny and very pleasant and grateful for everything. Each and every one of those kids touched my heart in a different way. If you’d like to get involved and help the social welfare project please contact us at enquiries@sasts.org.za
Last week we had an arrival of German students who will be a part of our High School SA program. The students will stay between 3 and 10 months.We wish them all the best and fun times ahead! We know they’ll love South Africa and will be back sure enough!
The centre was started 20 years ago as a creche for children from the Phillipi farming community and neighbouring townships. In 2008 it was inspired by an educational NPO - the Children’s Campaign Trust - to develop in a new and exciting way.
It has embraced the Montessori philosophy of pre-school education which develops a child’s natural interest and activities, fostering learning through experience
Every time I go visit this creche, it warms my heart. From the caring staff to the most adorable little kiddies you’ve seen. What I love about these kids is their spirit. They rush out when they see a new face (like ours whenever we visit) and give you their undivided attention, and all they want in return? Some attention, a few laughs, to touch but what they love most is getting and giving hugs. This school is truly special and needs all the help it can get, they essentially need teachers to be reskilled, classrooms re-equipped and building refurbished
If you’d like to be a part of this transformation please contact Helen Diedericks, the principal on 021 370 0039 or email helden@telkomsa.net.
Or if you’d like to volunteer visit www.sasts.org.za
About me
South African Students’ Travel Service (SASTS) is a not-for-profit (section 21) student and youth travel organisation.SASTS is dedicated to providing high quality, affordable international educational and work exchange programmes to students and young people in Southern Africa.
SASTS has played an integral role in facilitating student and youth travel for more than 38 years and is well equipped to hep students realise their travel dreams.
